Eddy and I had kind of a dull, business-oriented meeting. Next week though, we’re talking 50 years of Doctor Who. Pre-Thanksgiving, I’m pushing to get out various work items to try and buy time to spend with the family. A few reminders and then some thoughts about Thanksgiving, then.
We are halfway through the Kickstarter campaign for the Demon: The Descent Prestige Edition and are 260% funded with 1420 backers. This is very gratifying as we tried a few new things with this KS, including presenting the full pre-edit text for anyone to download, and offering a discount on the Demon Condition Cards and the Demon PoD itself (as Stretch Goals we’re headed for currently).
As a reminder, a whole bunch of Onyx Path creators will be doing an AMA (Ask me Anything) on Reddit today at 2pm EST that should go for about two hours or more. We’ve got Rollickin’ Rose Bailey and Black Hat Matt McFarland onboard to field Demon: The Descent questions, but other developer and writer type peoples say they’ll be there too, as will myself and Amiable Ian Watson.
Here’s the link to an interview I did with the Grown As Gamers gang a few nights ago- there’s general Onyx Path talk, plus old WW stories, a pretty decent Demon: The Descent section, and some Scion chatter. It was a great time, I loved hanging with the guys, and hope to get out to their home base sometime for another romp. I will say that one maybe misinterpretation came up out of the talk, where I mention my personal thinking that Demons would have been interpreted by mortals throughout history in the ways those mortals could best understand them. Thus giving rise to the classic demon myths and beliefs. But that’s my meta-view of it, and I can’t say for sure that there is anything about that in the book and certainly not in the rules. http://www.grownasgamers.com/2013/11/gag-cast-episode-115b-rich-thomas-from-onyx-path-publishing/
Mummy‘s Guildhalls of the Deathless, and cMage‘s Conventionbook: Void Engineers are now available in PoD formats at DTRPG, and both books have certainly been tightened up considerably by the comments and suggestions you all shared after checking out the PDFs. Thanks! I’m going to pull them from the list below now that they are fully on sale.
As Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday, and I think we could all benefit from a momentary slowdown in our crazy lives to remember the people and things that have got us through another year, here are some of mine. I don’t tell anybody enough how much I appreciate all that they do for me, so maybe this will help a bit with that (and please, if I forgot you, it isn’t deliberate- my brain is stuffed full of pre-Thanksgiving gotta-get-dones):
- Thanks to Mirthful Mike Chaney: I have no idea how he juggles all the art direction, graphic design, and scheduling stuff I throw at him and still produces phenomenal looking books like Demon– but he does and Onyx Path could not have grown as fast as we have without Mike’s contributions.
- Thanks to Amiable Ian Watson: There are so many behind the scenes things that Ian handles so smoothly that don’t even register on most people’s radars, but without him we never could have even a tenth of the online presence we have. And far fewer folks would even know what Onyx is up to. Which would be bad.
- Thanks to Rollickin’ Rose Bailey: Rose stepped up and began coordinating the various development and editing moving parts to improve how Onyx communicates with the writing side of creating our books and really firmed up everything there in ways I just couldn’t find the available time to give due attention to. And, in her spare time, she has developed a couple of really big and important books with Demon and the Strix Chronicles: Blood and Smoke.
- Thanks to Matt McElroy and Monica Valentinelli for their excellent advice and consultation on matters of Marketing, GenCon, DTRPG, and just general common sense sharing of their experiences in the current tabletop RPG marketplace. I might not always agree on the next step, but I find their advice invaluable.
- Thanks to Eddy Webb for friggin’ years of good conversation and great advice, and some stellar work on his V20 books. And being the best CCP interface I could ever hope to argue vehemently with.
- Thanks to Black Hat Matt McFarland for his professionalism and passion. It’s no accident that many if not most of the projects we put out these last two years that hit pretty much as scheduled were under his guidance- Matt delivers both timeliness and quality and I am always, yes, thankful when he is working on a book.
- Thanks to John Mørke and Holden Shearer who have shouldered a crazy-hard task of reinvigorating Exalted and continue to do so with undiminished passion through some pretty scary times. 18 minutes!
- And thanks to the whole EX3 writing team for their ultra-hard work. Almost there, gang!
- Thanks to CA Suleiman for diggin’ in and gettin’ busy on continuing Mummy past the awesome core book while still providing me with tons of intelligent and professional thought-provoking advice on how Onyx can move forward.
- Thanks to Justin Achilli for being the best curve-ball thrower I know, and still the idiot son I never had.
- Thanks to Phil Brucato, Rich Dansky, Ethan Skemp, Bill Bridges, Aileen Miles, Geoff Grabowski, Pauline Benney, Fred Yelk, Aaron Voss, Craig Grant, and Joe Carriker: we all have gone and done different things after our WW times together, but damn it’s nice to be able to work on projects with all of you again- you all have the classic touch with a real excitement for how we can shake things up now.
- Thanks to Dave Brookshaw, Stew Wilson, David Hill, Jess Hartley, and John Snead: you folks have really stepped up and are treating your respective game lines with the love and respect they deserve, while mixing in a whole lot of your own energy, creativity, and cool ideas. This isn’t just nice, it’s necessary.
- Thanks to Ryan Macklin for shepherding the 4 Convention Books into such glorious volumes while job-searching and all the ups and downs of book creation.
- Thanks to all of our freelance writers, editors, and artists, without whom we just could not make these beautiful books. We make it a point to list their names in the DTRPG product description sections, which is hardly enough thanks, but you should check them out.
- Thanks to my buds at By Night Studios (you know who you are) for really embracing (get it?) the idea that we’re all here to share the WW love.
- Thanks to Mike Tinney and Steve Wieck: I now understand why you got twitchy when I stormed into your offices, and appreciate more than ever how you didn’t kill me.
- Thanks to Stewart Wieck, cause, you know. And now we can do Scarred Lands together again!
- Thanks to all of the WW and Onyx Path Community who continue to support the games lines we all love so much- we’re here for you. Hope you like the new forums
- Thanks to all of you who write in with your thoughts comments and suggestions and really make it worth the effort to write this (expletive deleted) blog every week.
And Now, The News:
– Blood and Smoke: The Strix Chronicle (VtR) First proof is out.
– Mummy the Curse – The MtC Ready Made Characters Pack PDF tweaks are in CA’s capable hands. Cursed Necropolis DC is being finished up by the writers.
– Exalted 3rd Edition: While John hunkers down to rewrite the Charms chapter he is also changing some of the ways he’s been doing these to enable more to get finished, the rest of the team is working on a couple of EX3 chapters that continue to be finalized for Editing: Survival is down and the Devs are doing some playtests with some groups they have gotten to know these past couple of years. And then after that fine-tuning they’d like to go with a wider group of external playtesters. Both EX3 novels as well as Zub’s EX3 Comic are in progress, and I just read through the initial format/scope document for the EX3 Music Suites– the music team is thinking of putting up their own video diaries documenting the creation of the EX3 Suites. Links when I have them.
– V20 Hunters Hunted 2: Looks like each of the three shippers have their books, next up, actually getting them out to backers. HH2 Fiction Anthology was not done there at the end of last week- this week for sure.
– V20 Anarchs Unbound is in layout and we are still putting the pieces together for its KS, but that’s been delayed until after the Demon KS (see above).
– Deluxe Werewolf 20th Anniversary Edition: At the three shippers, they are prepping and boxing. The Heavy Metal Deluxe W20 prototype was approved and they are slowly assembling and binding the books by hand. Mike Lee is submitting chapters of the W20 “Houses of the Moon” novel to Bill for dev review. Bill has the W20 Anthology stories in layout. Jess Hartley has submitted the White Howlers Tribe Book to Stew Wilson for development notes, and the W20 Cookbook is in layout.
– Deluxe Mage the Ascension 20th Anniversary Edition has Phil is wrapping up the last sections of the book. Reviewing full pages in b&w first from Mike Kaluta.
– W20 Changing Breeds Backer PDF changes are in and the PoD files are being prepared. Waiting for a cover spec file for the Deluxe from the printer. The Changing Breeds Fiction Anthology is being contracted by developer Jess Hartley.
– W20 Rage Across the World: In approval. The PDF will go to Deluxe W20 backers first as an appreciative gift for their patience, and then up on DTRPG.
– Guildhalls of the Deathless (MtC) the PoD is now live along with the PDF on DTRPG.
– Conventionbook: Void Engineers (cMtA) the PoD version is now available with the PDF on DTRPG.
– W20 Book of the Wyrm is being art directed and is layout. Three names: Spencer, Ellis, Rebner.
– V20 Rites of the Blood: is ready for layout, but layout is not yet ready for it, art finals rolling in.
– Under the Darkening Sky (classic Dark Ages): In editing. Art getting approved.
– Trinity Continuum: New System ideas continue being hammered out. John Snead, Aeon developer and writer has already started sending material to Ian for review.
– Scion: New Systems discussion continue.
– Demon: The Descent: Files at indexing. The Demon: the Descent Kickstarter campaign has done great! (See above)!
– Hunter: Mortal Remains: Two chapters are in editing already and we have a new title instead of the previous two fake ones.
– Book of the Deceived (MtC): First drafts are coming in to CAS, who is red-lining away. Red-lining is the stage where the developer makes notes in the writer’s text for changes (called red lining because a red pen was used originally to mark up the paper manuscripts).
– nWoD: Dark Eras: Writers are writing.
– V20 Dark Ages: Scribes are scribing. Check out the discussion on the WW Forums and these very blogs. Talking to a pretty famous artist about this project- only talking yet, though.
– DtD Players Guide: Flowers Of Hell?: Being written in the dank and humid tunnels below Alcatraz.
– V20: Ghouls: Mind map created at LA by Night being transformed into a full-fledged project outline which has been sent to authors.
-V20 Red List: Still in final draft stage.
Reason to Drink: Thanks to fermentation.
A question: Previously, once the topic of separating PDF and PoD availability for many practical reasons, you had mentioned possibly offering a voucher to get the ‘combo’ discount for those who purchase the PDF early. Is that still realistic? I haven’t heard any follow up, so I’m assuming not, but I’m trying to decide whether I can grab the Guildhalls PoD now.
Anyone who purchased the PDF versions of Guildhalls or Void Engineers should have received an email yesterday around 5:30 pm EST with the link to DTRPG. First though, you have to have allowed DTRPG to send you notices, then you need to be sure the email wasn’t caught in a Spam trap. You’d be surprised how often folks miss either thing. If you still didn’t get it, contact DTRPG customer service. Hope that helps.
I don’t plan on getting Guidhalls through PoD, but since I do plan on using the service eventually, are those notices from DTRPG, Onyx Path or White Wolf? I don’t have the link in my junk mail folder, but while I was able to authorize notices from OP and WW, I cannot figure out if there’s anything I have to check to get updates from DTRPG itself.
The notices are sent via DriveThruRPG, but you have to have your account email settings set to allow mail from publishers (or at least White Wolf).
Thank you.
Looking at Demon, Hunters Hunted 2 and Changing Breeds, it looks like making the text available leads to a larger initial rush of pledges and then a lower and flatter slump in the middle of the Kickstarter. It’s quite odd to me, since I tend to associate Kickstarter with high-energy projects like Shadowrun Returns, Project Eternity, Torment: Tides of Numenera and Exalted 3. I always had a tab open with those projects and the constant hype, updates and new reward tiers got me to increase my pledge again and again (ten times the original pledge in the case of Exalted, and I did away with my self-imposed ban on ordering physical goods online). With Demon, I just pledged once and I have no reason to keep up with the campaign, since I already have all the text. I’m just waiting for everything to go through so I can get the final version of the PDF. I have absolutely no idea which of these approaches is more representative of Kickstarter in general, or which is preferable on the project management side of things.
And just out of curiousity, is there any way we can get a point by point update on the status of Exalted? I’ve been trying to keep track of all the scattered updates we’ve been getting, but it’s hard to keep track. About two weeks ago, I was under the impression that everything but the panoply chapter was somewhere in the editing queue, which is obviously not the case if charms are being written.
Actually, most Kickstarters are EXACTLY like how Demon has gone. Good initial rush, then a slowdown, then a bit of a rush at the end.
You can’t compare videogame Kickstarters like Project Eternity and Shadowrun Returns to Tabletop games like Demon.
They’re working with far, FAR more money and resources. And…well…they’re videogames.
Exalted 3 has been eagerly awaited for years. And taps into a culture that most other gamelines can’t.
Numenera is just a damn good book with Cook’s name behind it. He’s quite the popular fellow.
In my opinion, Mage 20 is going to kick some serious ass.
Re: M20, I agree.
Yes, it’s an experiment, and there was a definite cliff of pledging. Things have however started to pick up again. Folks reading the text and taking a while to pledge, I dunno, it’s too early to make an informed call. As for Exalted Updates, you should only need to check out this blog weekly for a general progress report, and the twice-monthly Backer Updates for more in-depth info.
Rich….Do you think the V20 Anarchs kickstarter will start up in December or are you planning on giving yourself some breathing space over the holidays and try to get it started after the new year? I’m sort of wondering how soon I’ll need to have my money ready.
I’m also looking forward to your comments on the Doctor Who 50th Anniversary special.
Yes, mid Dec is certainly the goal, but stuff does happen.
Thanks Rich, I’ll make sure I set aside some money for it, and thanks for getting the WoD going again.
Thank you, Rich, for picking up the World of Darkness and Exalted and running with them. For remaining true to the spirit of the game(s) and for letting the rest of us be a part of that. I’ve never been prouder to be a part of these worlds than I have under your leadership.
Awwww. OK- a pay raise for Jess! 😉
Seriously, thanks. I really appreciate it, and am so glad we’re all getting the chance to create projects we’re really excited about together.
I gotta say…I’ve started to look up Jess’ other works after reading the excerpts from W20 stuff.
I may have found my favorite non-Wraith Dev/Writer in OP (Jess…if you could find it in your heart to get into the Wraith team I will be thrilled!)
Thank you to everyone associated with OP for all your hard work at making the games I love.
The POD discount for KS backers is something I’ve wanted for a long time, but didn’t think was feasible. Demon’ll hit it, and here’s hoping that it becomes an ubiquitous goal. 🙂
If it works well, folks are excited, etc. I hope to actually build it into the Reward Tiers for Anarchs Unbound and Mage20.
I want to say “thanks” for puttng out the Demon text as part of the event. I was already excited for the book and now I can actually point out things to other people. I’ve had multiple occations to try and convince my friends and/or random people at the local game store to pick up Demon. ‘Why?’, they ask me. “Why?”, I reply, pulling my phone from my pocket and whipping open the PDF, “Here’s why!”
It’s going to be an exciting end of the year with all the cool stuff coming down soon. Alot of major projects are going to be landing in the very near future and I can’t wait to get hold of them.
Thanks- me too, we’ve got great stuff coming up.
To be honest, the text had the opposite effect for me.
Isn’t it great that you know now, then?
I’d like to echo Jess: Thanks, Rich, for putting your faith in a fan and somehow making me integral to operations. Thank you for dropping the Continuum in my lap and trusting me with your baby. I’m doing my best not to let you down.
Work harder!
We have had to rekindle long lost loves as well as build a whole company that is relevant to modern media with game company income. Couldn’t have come as far as we have without you.
Hi Rich, yes, I got my email from drivethroughrpg and ordered the discount POD. Btw, just realized its a big book!
Awesome! Glad to hear it, and yeah, Guildhalls is a real live supplement. 🙂 Some great stuff in there too.
Schucks, forgot to give my Thanks to all of you creative and talented folks at OP/White Wolf. Your games & talent bring lots of joy to my life. Wishing you all a very happy Thanksgiving holiday!
Well, you didn’t have to- but it’s most appreciated!
Thanks for all that you do for your fan-base as well.
Also, how long does first proof-pdf generally take? I’d love to have Blood & Smoke on my laptop by my birthday on the 16th.
It’s usually the longest stage of proofing, so we can only see how long Rose needs to work through it.
A quick question from a european fan who is eagerly awaiting his W20 Deluxe book. Which shipping company are you guys using for Europe? DHL? UPS? Or someone else? Just curious since I live in Norway and would like to have the book before I go on holiday the 20th of december.
I’ve been told that the International shipments are starting next week.